Category: Coffee

Spring forward sounds so chipper. My last blog detailed the fact that I don’t sleep very well. I’m not so sure how much “pep in my step” I will have when we lose that hour of sleep this coming weekend either. But it’s not just the grogginess that comes with the time change. According to statistics, due to the loss of sleep and increased stress from exhaustion, automobile accidents and heart attacks increase dramatically. Scientists have found that on the Monday after Daylight Savings Time begins heart attack rates increase by an astonishing 24 percent. But take heart! These practical tips can help avoid knocking your natural circadian rhythm completely out of whack.

Tips for adjusting to daylight saving time from agingcare.com

Get some sun: Exposure to natural sunlight helps regulate your body’s natural rhythms. Depending on where you live, the weather may be too cold to spend too much time outside, but you can at least pull up the shade and sit in front of the window for a few minutes.

Work up a sweat: Engaging in some form of cardiovascular exercise (walking, jogging, biking, swimming) in the late afternoon or early evening may help you fall asleep easier.

Develop an appetite for good sleep: Eating and drinking can actually disrupt your sleep. Plan to finish meals and snacks 2 to 3 hours before bedtime because digestion wakes up your body. Alcohol and caffeine are also “sleep interrupters” when consumed before bed. Limit caffeine to the morning and finish your alcohol consumption by early evening. Smoking before bed can also stimulate your body and make it hard to sleep.

It’s important to keep in mind that seniors may need more time to adjust to the transition. What is a minor annoyance for most adults could present a significant obstacle in the routine of older adults, particularly those living with dementia or other cognitive impairments. Be sure to check on these individuals and make sure that they are getting adequate sleep and seek medical advice if you notice a problem. Take small steps to prepare for the change for you and your loved ones and enjoy the longer hours of daylight and the warmer days.

The other day I had one of those moments. You know…those times when you are becoming exactly like your mother, grandmother, father, etc. We were out to eat and I said to my husband that I wished I could order off the “kids menu” because I wasn’t that hungry and it was cheaper. It was like I had instantly become my grandmother. The memories came flooding back. How many times had I heard her ask a server if they had a “child’s plate” she could order? I was always embarrassed and never quite understood her frugality. Now as an adult I get it. Especially for those who are in the age bracket who qualify for a senior discount…pinching pennies is important. So, in memory of my grandmother (who we affectionately called Mama Clifford), here is a guide to some popular restaurants that feature savings for seniors. These are only some of the eateries that offer discounts and with all promotions it may vary by location. But save where you can and as Benjamin Franklin would say, “a penny saved is a penny earned.”

Put down that coffee mug and grab your tea cup. Tea is officially “good for you” in that it is loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals which benefit your health in lots of ways. Real Tea is made from a particular plant (Camellia sinensis) and only comes in four varieties black, white, green and oolong. Anything else like “herbal tea” is an infusion of other plants and technically not Tea.

Below are some ways that Tea can benefit our health:

Tea can boost exercise endurance, helping us keep those New Year’s resolutions to exercise more.

Some research studies have indicated that Tea can help protect against cardiovascular disease or heart attack.

The antioxidant properties of Tea can help fight various cancers according to some research.

Tea helps keep us hydrated.

Green Tea can help our bodies’ better process sugars.

Green Tea has been shown to improve bone density and strength.

So get out those tea pots and brew some tea. While you are at it, try several different varieties to see which ones you like best. Who knew drinking Tea could be good for you!